Anxious
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How do I get through this? Am I a bad mum?

I don’t want to ramble on, I just have nobody else to speak to and need to get this out somewhere. Im not trying to victimise myself I know I have responsibility here I just feel like the worst person ever.

I am currently back at work full time after having my first child. I would prefer to be with my son but unfortunately during my maternity leave myself and my partner struggled financially and ran up some debt. I feel like the worst mum ever for leaving my son as he isn’t even 1 yet and I just want to be there for those big moments like first steps, first words etc.

My financial position just now is crippling me. I know eventually it’ll be okay once the debt is sorted and I have some savings back behind us. I just want to be able to enjoy time with my son without worrying. I feel this heavy weight on my chest worrying about money and being a crap mum. It’s 22 minutes past 1 and I’m up for work in a few hours and I can’t sleep because I’m so worried and stressed.

I’ve had some dark thoughts and although I know this is irrational I often wonder if my son would be better off without me. Maybe my partner would meet someone else who could be a better mum to our son. I just really don’t know how to go on feeling like this. I never realised how much money worries can impact you until now.

Another thing playing on my mind is that I was abused when I was younger and I feel as if I want to be present 24/7 to protect my son from what I went through. I know again this is irrational but it’s just another thing piling on me.

Thanks for reading this far. I just needed to vent really.
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SW-User
Well…at this age he won’t remember you weren’t there
Needchange1111 · 22-25, F
@SW-User yeah that’s true, thank you so much
SW-User
@Needchange1111 I was the abandoned child …. so I can tell you that you have nothing to worry about now. Only when at that age when they start remembering who was there with them matters… he will never remember who saw him take his first step who heard his first word or who held his bottle for him. He will assume it was you. But at the age of 4 or for some kids 3 if he can remember some nights you reading books to him and lots of affection like kisses n hugs when your there —- is enough for good mom memories. Also, the single most important thing is to be there through his problems or attention to his complaints (needs). Thats what matters and will be remembered and cherished.
Needchange1111 · 22-25, F
@SW-User I’m really sorry to read about your experience growing up. I think it says a lot about you that despite not having your needs met as a child, you empathise and offer advice to a stranger online that you owe nothing to. Thank you so much for giving me your perspective and the advice you have given based on that is so so valuable to me ❤
SW-User
@Needchange1111 ya, life is hard, job and money is a must and a need. Right now is actually the best time to do it. There is nothing to worry about —-the current events a baby at such age will not remember and not care about later on in life. But if you let guilt bring you down then he will sense your bad mood 😒 when you are there and get cranky too